Handyman in Edmonton: What To Do When Your Drywall Gets Wet

Most homes have walls made of drywall and for good reason. It’s easy to put up, stable enough to support hanging decor and fire-resistant. However, sheetrock absorbs moisture, leading to all sorts of issues if it gets wet. If you have a leaky roof or broken pipe, you’ll need to hire Edmonton handyman services to replace the affected drywall.

Why does moisture matter? Mould and mildew require water to grow; unfortunately, the inside of your walls is the perfect environment. Damp drywall is prime real estate for fungi, which then cause structural and health issues. High moisture levels also attract other pests, such as termites, that are expensive to exterminate.

As a result, you should act immediately if your sheetrock gets wet. There’s no saving saturated drywall, as it starts to disintegrate; you’ll have to replace it. The good news is that the replacement process is relatively straightforward.

1. Remove Wet Areas

Before cutting into walls, you must talk to a mould remediation specialist. These professionals have various tools to detect mould without opening walls. Understanding the full extent of the damage before removal is essential to prevent exposing residents to mould unnecessarily.

Once you’ve confirmed there’s no mould, a professional drywall service can remove the wet areas. The team will cut into the board, allowing them to pull it away from the wall. They can then access insulation or other materials that may have gotten wet as well.

Of course, removing drywall is a messy business — dust flies into the air, and pieces fall on the ground. Your contractor will prep the area beforehand with tarps and plastic sheeting to keep your furniture and flooring clean. The team will also remove screws and nails to avoid damaging tools and wear appropriate safety gear to prevent accidents or inhaling dust.

The drywall experts will also dispose of the removed drywall. Depending on the extent of the water damage, this can be a sizable amount. If you attempted this on your own, you’d have to make arrangements to have the debris hauled away.

2. Dry the Space

Once there’s access to the wall’s interior, it’s time to dry. Contractors use fans and dehumidifiers to draw as much moisture as possible from your home’s structures and the air. To increase efficiency, handypeople usually tape down plastic to prevent outside air from entering the room, thereby protecting it from increased moisture levels, dust and mould spores. The drying process can take days, but removing as much moisture as possible is essential to prevent future issues. 

3. Put Up New Drywall

Once everything is dry, the repair process can begin. Drywall experts measure, cut and affix the sheets according to the space. Their years of experience make this a quick job and ensure there are no mistakes.

Contractors also know which sheetrock is best. For example, water-resistant brands are well-suited for humid areas or sections of the wall holding plumbing. High-quality drywall is crucial since it protects the pipes, wiring, insulation and support structures hidden from view.

Most jobs require layered sheets. Once the top layer is installed, the contracting team will cut out the space for outlets and other fixtures. Finally, they’ll secure the joints with drywall mud, and your wall is officially repaired.

Are you looking for residential drywall services in Edmonton? If so, contact Handyman Connection. Our handypeople can tackle any sheetrock project, whether adding a wall or replacing damaged materials. We can also offer other remodelling services such as plumbing and electrical. If you want guaranteed satisfaction, Handyman Connection is the place to go. For more information, contact us online or give us a call.